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Smoke by Shou Sugi Ban Gallery

THEY say there is no smoke without fire, and this couldn't be more true of Smoke by Shou Sugi Ban Gallery, a furniture store in Macpherson.

Its namesake Smoke collection comprises stools, chairs and coffee tables that are all black. This is not their natural colour, nor have they been stained that way.

Instead, creative founder Marcus Wang uses the century-old Japanese technique of shou sugi ban which involves torching the surface of a solid piece of wood with an open flame, charring the surface for a textured and blackened look.

Shou sugi ban was traditionally used for timber panels in Japanese houses. Charred wood is resistant to fire, water and termite attacks.

A 20-year veteran in the timber industry, Mr Wang has learnt different techniques of working with wood, and is believed to be the first in Singapore to apply shou sugi ban to furniture pieces. He also personally designs the pieces…